Applying Past Lessons to Present Circumstances in Christian Life
Christian life often involves drawing upon past experiences and scriptural accounts to navigate present circumstances. This principle is explicitly stated in Romans 15:4, which says, "For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope" [4]. This verse highlights the instructional value of past writings, providing both encouragement and a foundation for hope in current challenges [4].
The Old Testament frequently emphasizes the importance of remembering past events. Deuteronomy 32:7 exhorts, "Remember the days of old. Consider the years of many generations. Ask your father, and he will show you; your elders, and they will tell you" [5]. This passage encourages the transmission of historical and spiritual lessons through generations, ensuring that the wisdom and providences of God are not forgotten [11]. Moses, in this context, appeals to the records of ancient times and God's consistent mercies to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as a basis for present obedience [11].
Applying past lessons also involves learning from the examples set by Christ and other biblical figures. Christ himself is presented as an example of diligence and self-denial [2, 6]. For instance, his self-denial is seen in passages like Matthew 4:8-10 and Philippians 2:6-8 [2]. Similarly, Paul's teaching by example, such as working for his own food, was highly regarded in the ancient world and serves as a model for believers [12]. The early Christians, too, provided examples of faithfulness in the face of suffering, which serves as an encouragement for later generations [10]. The author of Hebrews reminds his readers of their past endurance during trials, using it as a positive example for their current situation [10].
The Scriptures also instruct believers on how to live wisely in the present by turning away from ungodliness and worldly desires, as seen in Titus 2:12 [3]. This training enables believers to live "wisely and uprightly in the knowledge of God in this present life" [3]. The concept of "numbering our days" in Psalm 90:12 encourages a reflective approach to life, so that hearts may be applied to wisdom [1]. This involves a diligent application of Christian graces and guarding against defilement [6]. Christians are also warned not to be surprised by trials, as hostility from a sinful world is to be expected for those seeking godly lives [7]. The church, like ancient Israel, is expected to face its own "wilderness" experiences, with God providing refuge and avenues of escape [9]. The present time is seen as a period between Christ's first and future appearances, where believers are called to live a new life in anticipation of final salvation [8].
Sources
- Psalms “Psalms 90:12 (Geneva1599) — Teach vs so to nomber our dayes, that we may apply our heartes vnto wisdome.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Self-Denial — Christ set an example of -- Mt 4:8-10; 8:20; Joh 6:38; Ro 15:3; Php 2:6-8. A test of devotedness to Christ -- Mt 10:37,38; Lu 9:23,24. Necessary In following Christ. -- Lu 14:27-33. In the warfare of saints. -- 2Ti 2:4. To the triumph of saints. -- 1Co 9:25-27. Ministers especially called to exercise -- 2Co 6:4,5. Should be exercised in Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts. -- Ro 6:12; Tit 2:12. Controlling the appetite. -- Pr 23:2. Abstaining from fleshly lusts. -- 1Pe 2:11. No longer living to lusts of men. -- 1Pe 4:2. Mortifying sinful lusts. -- Mr ”
- Titus “Titus 2:12 (BBE) — Training us so that, turning away from evil and the desires of this world, we may be living wisely and uprightly in the knowledge of God in this present life;”
- Romans “Romans 15:4 (BSB) — For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.”
- Deuteronomy “Remember the days of old. Consider the years of many generations. Ask your father, and he will show you; your elders, and they will tell you. -- Deuteronomy 32:7”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Diligence — Christ, an example -- Mr 1:35; Lu 2:49. Required by God in Seeking him. -- 1Ch 22:19; Heb 11:6. Obeying him. -- De 6:17; 11:13. Hearkening to him. -- Isa 55:2. Striving after perfection. -- Php 3:13,14. Cultivating Christian graces. -- 2Pe 1:5. Keeping the souls. -- De 4:9. Keeping the heart. -- Pr 4:23. Labours of love. -- Heb 6:10-12. Following every good work. -- 1Ti 5:10. Guarding against defilement. -- Heb 12:15. Seeking to be found spotless. -- 2Pe 3:14. Making our call, &c, sure. -- 2Pe 1:10. Self-examination. -- Ps 77:6. Lawful business. -- Pr 27:”
- 1 Peter (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Peter 4:12: 4:12-19 Peter instructs Christians one last time about the way to face the trials that will inevitably come. 4:12 don’t be surprised: Christians, especially those seeking to lead godly lives, can expect to face the hostility of a sinful world (see John 16:33; Acts 14:22; Rom 8:17; Phil 1:29).”
- 1 Timothy (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Timothy 6:14: 6:14 until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again (literally until the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ): Christ’s comings, both past (2 Tim 1:10; Titus 2:11) and future (2 Tim 4:1, 8; Titus 2:13), are described in the letters to Timothy and Titus as “epiphanies” or “appearances.” An epiphany is a divine intervention in a particular historical moment. The church is positioned between these past and future appearances of Christ. Christ’s first, saving epiphany made possible a new life; his future epiphany will achieve final salvation. Though the present is evil (t”
- Revelation (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Revelation 12:6: 12:6 Like the people of Israel who were spiritually refined in the wilderness (see Hos 2:14-15; Acts 7:38-45) and in exile (see Isa 5:13; Ezek 12:1-3), the Christian church must face its own wilderness. Revelation presents messages of endurance and perseverance in the face of trouble and shows that God provides places of refuge and avenues of escape for his people (cp. 1 Cor 10:13). 1,260 days: See study note on Rev 11:2-3.”
- Hebrews (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Hebrews 10:32: 10:32-39 The harsh warning (10:26-31) is followed by a word of encouragement. The hearers’ own faithfulness in the past is used as a positive example for them to follow now. 10:32 when you first learned about Christ: The author reminds his readers of those early days, shortly after the community embraced Christianity, when their faith was tested. At that time, they remained faithful in the face of terrible suffering. Suffering is normal for a person who identifies with Christ and his community (13:12-13; Acts 9:16; Rom 8:17; 1 Cor 4:12-13; Phil 1:29; Jas 1:2-4).”
- Deuteronomy (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Deuteronomy 32:7: Moses, having in general represented God to them as their great benefactor, whom they were bound in gratitude to observe and obey, in these verses gives particular instances of God's kindness to them and concern for them. 1. Some instances were ancient, and for proof of them he appeals to the records (Deu 32:7): Remember the days of old; that is, "Keep in remembrance the history of those days, and of the wonderful providences of God concerning the old world, and concerning your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; you will find a constant series of mercies at”
- 2 Thessalonians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 2 Thessalonians 3:7: 3:7 Teaching by example was highly regarded in the ancient world. Paul himself provided an example by working for his own food (3:8; 1 Thes 2:9).”